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Five New Technologies for Aging in Place

Sat, 11/03/2012 - 13:37 - Laurie Orlov

Let’s catch up with the press releases from the past six weeks. October is typically one of the busiest times of the year for technology announcements. And it has been especially difficult lately to track them amid the sturm und drang of these past weeks. And that's just the storm and stress of reading -- never mind attending trade shows! Anyway, from the recent incoming missives, these five bring this site up to date. All information, as indicated by the quotation marks, is, minus a drop or two of hyperbole, from the vendor websites and releases:

GreatCall Wireless simplifies smartphones with the Jitterbug Touch. "GreatCall, Inc., a leader in wireless services that help people stay connected, safe and healthy, today announced the launch of the new Jitterbug Touch. The latest addition to GreatCall's growing family of cell phones, Jitterbug Touch offers customers a unique combination of a simplified user interface with the power and flexibility of Android™. The Jitterbug Touch is an entry-level smartphone, ideal for anyone who wants a simple and affordable way to stay connected with family and friends." Learn more at GreatCall.com.

BAM Labs™ Completes Remote Upgrade of Smart Bed Technology Applications. "The Silicon Valley creator of the Touch free Life Care ("TLC") Smart Bed system, has completed a major software upgrade for all Post-Acute and Acute healthcare customers nationwide. The new release, which was done remotely without intervention by customers, includes the nation’s first application to biometrically validate position changes through a secure cloud monitoring platform. The release also includes directional position changes for pressure ulcer reduction, faster alerts for motion and bed exits to reduce falls, and a streamlined user interface with automated turn reporting for improved staff efficiency. Healthcare facilities using the Position Change application report staff time savings of one hour per bed per day." Learn more at BamLabs.com.

Securus Launches New Version for Android. "Securus, Inc. announced the release of the company’s Android app for its eZoom and eCare+Voice products. The Android app, which is available at Google Play free of charge to Securus customers, is a single app that enables users to find, track, view a location history and update settings for their Securus GPS locators, including eZoom and eCare+Voice. With the new Android app, eZoom users can set up the text and email notifications to locate loved ones via Assisted-GPS tracking capabilities in the GPS tracking device." Learn more at Securus.com.

VideoCare Connects Seniors and Caregivers with Easy-to-Use Touch-Screen Technology. "Videocare, Inc., has announced the launch of its cloud-based communication system to support seniors and their caregivers. VideoCare is a simple, touch-screen technology that connects seniors with their caregivers, families, and other loved ones – wherever they are, and without the need for a keyboard, mouse or any technical skill. VideoCare’s remote care service can mean continued independence for the millions of seniors who live alone, and peace of mind for their family members and caregivers. It also gives seniors the ability to maintain their social connections, and adds an extra measure of safety for seniors who may be on their own." Learn more at VideoCare.com.

Connected Living announced the national launch of the Connected Living Network. "Connected Living's cloud-based social platform includes an interface tailored to seniors giving them secure access to the Internet, email, social media tools such as video chat, photos, a library and games. The company provides onsite services to equip computer cafes, provides interactive displays including content such as community and activity calendars, menus, local news and weather, and provides the programming and training to allow the staff and residents to fully engage with these resources. This simplified technology, coupled with classes, activities, and support ensures adoption and sustainable usage so benefits of leading a connected life become a reality." Learn more at ConnectedLiving.com.

When installed and used in combination with a universal home (a home with supportive -but great looking features), the safety and quality of life of a resident can be really enhanced. The cost trade-off when compared with assisted living or other care settings can be huge also. e.g., $4,000 - $6,000 per month! We hope to feature this technology at the fifth Universal Design Summit in St Louis in May, udsummit.net.

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